Lightning Ridge has many attractions but perhaps one of the most popular is the free bore baths on the eastern side of town.
Open 24 hours a day the baths are fed by the Great Artesian Basin with water temperatures around 40o Celsius, perfect for soothing tired muscles after a day of noodling for opal.
The central bath is a circular pool with a series of steps and ladders. Sit here a while and listen to the opal talk from locals – it is the best place to pick up the mining gossip! When the main bath becomes too hot a shallower pool offers relief, if you can find a spot amongst the excited kids.
Want to know more about the Great Artesian Basin? Well, there is an information board adjacent to the main pool. Have a read while you’re cooling down to be ready for the next soak.
The bore bath complex has shaded picnic tables, showers (inside and outside) and toilets and is lit at night. It is a short walk from the Opal Caravan Park or a short drive from the centre of town.